Philpots Manor School
West Hoathly, RH19 4PROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Philpots Manor School is a special school in West Hoathly for ages 7 to 19. It is one of the 332 schools in West Sussex. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in June 2026.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 9 June 2026, report published 13 July 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Strong standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Expected standard
- Achievement
- Expected standard
- Attendance and behaviour
- Strong standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Strong standard
- Leadership and governance
- Strong standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 9 June 2026
This is a deeply caring and nurturing school with high ambitions for all. Leaders and the proprietor show relentless determination to help pupils to overcome barriers and have their chance to shine. Pupils here know that they are unique, valued and special. The school ensures excellent support for pupils to enable everyone to make progress and achieve well. All pupils have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). The school ensures that pupils’ provision is precisely matched to their needs. As a result, they develop a strong sense of belonging and learn to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Pupils go on to access a range of academic and vocational qualifications that help them access further education with increased skills, knowledge and confidence. Behaviour is impressive. When pupils struggle with their feelings, expert staff provide strong support underpinned with compassion, forgiveness and high aspirations. Pupils are not worried about bullying because they know that leaders take concerns seriously and address problems swiftly. These high expectations also extend to attendance. The tireless efforts of leaders, teachers and support staff helps pupils to overcome a range of obstacles to attendance. Many pupils have missed extended periods of schooling before joining here. Now, they attend highly, because leaders have achieved rapid success to reduce absences. One parent represented others when saying that the school 'has changed my son's life, and therefore all our lives'. Personal development and wellbeing are excellent. Pastoral care is built on compassion and expertise, and leaders' work to prepare pupils for later life is highly effective. Staff tailor provision skilfully to constantly adapt to the emotional needs of pupils. Pupils learn to cook, plan budgets, use public transport, care for animals and develop vocational skills such as bricklaying. Pupils enjoy working with the horses in the yard and canoeing across the local reservoir.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should maintain their focus on improving pupils' writing to help all pupils to produce high-quality writing across the curriculum.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
15 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
61 pupils on roll, with places for 76
Schools near Philpots Manor School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step by Step School Limited | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
| Serenity School Crawley | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Brantridge School | 5 miles | Report card: Strong standard to exceptional | 0% met the expected standard |
| Central Education Ltd | 5 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 7.7 |
| Burstow Park School | 6 miles | Report card: Expected standard | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Other independent special school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 7 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Ms Gina Wagland
- Phone
- 01342810268
- Address
- West Hoathly, RH19 4PR
- Local authority
- West Sussex
- URN
- 126141
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.